Korthals Griffon
KOR-tals GRIF-on
Netherlands· Netherlands, France and Germany
The Korthals Griffon, also known as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, is a versatile rough-coated gundog developed in the late 19th century.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium to Large
Exercise needs
2 hours+ per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush, hand-stripping needed
Coat length
Medium, wiry
Sheds
Low
Lifespan
12-14 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Medium or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Korthals Griffon
Developed by breeder Eduard Korthals across the Netherlands, France and Germany, this breed was designed as the ultimate versatile gundog, with a harsh, weatherproof coat suited to working through dense cover, marsh and water in changeable European conditions.
- Region
- Netherlands, France and Germany
- Climate it was bred for
- Varied temperate wetlands, woodland and farmland
- Original job
- All-round wire-coated pointing and retrieving gundog
The long read
About the breed
Its creator selectively bred several European pointing and water dog lines to produce an all-round hunter equally capable on land and in water, with a harsh double coat protecting it in thick cover.
At home it is friendly, intelligent and eager to please, generally good with families and other dogs, though it needs regular exercise and mental work to stay content.
Today it is a well-established and popular versatile gundog across Europe and North America, prized both as a working dog and family companion.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Korthals Griffon greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Korthals Griffon is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Korthals Griffon's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1873
Foundation dog
Eduard Korthals acquired his foundation bitch, Mouche, and began developing the breed in earnest.
1874-1879
Breeding programme
Korthals worked across the Netherlands, Germany and France, crossing several pointing and griffon types.
1888
Breed club founded
The first breed club was established in France to promote and standardise the type.
1900s
Spread across Europe
The breed became popular across France, Germany and the Low Countries as a versatile hunting dog.
1990s
International popularity
The breed became well established in North America and remains a leading versatile gundog worldwide.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Sturdy, with a broad chest and strong, straight back.
- coat
- Harsh, wiry, medium-length, with a dense undercoat.
- ears
- Set high, medium-sized, covered in fairly short hair.
- eyes
- Large, round, yellow to brown, with a keen, intelligent expression.
- head
- Long, with prominent eyebrows, moustache and beard formed by the wiry coat.
- size
- Dogs 55-60cm, bitches 50-55cm
- colour
- Steel grey with brown patches, chestnut, or white and brown.
- temperament
- Sociable, intelligent, calm and versatile.
- general appearance
- A medium-to-large, rough-coated pointing dog of sturdy, harmonious build.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
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Korthals Griffons added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Korthals Griffon
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Korthals Griffon illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Korthals Griffon Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Korthals Griffon illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Korthals Griffon Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Korthals Griffon illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Korthals Griffon Mug
Ceramic mug with the Korthals Griffon illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
LED Reflective Lead Light
Rechargeable clip-on light for dark walks.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Korthals Griffon video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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